My name is Alissa Hilleren and I grew up in rural Benson, Minnesota. Benson is a small town with a population around 3,000 people. My dad is a farmer and my mom educates the parents of preschool aged children. I have one little sister who is my best friend and was my first student as we played school together as children. My entire life I have known that I would like to become a teacher. Teaching is not just a job to me, it is something I truly love to spend my time doing.

I attended Minnesota State University in Moorhead, and graduated with a degree in Elementary Education.  I have had many hours of classroom experience with students of all ages through both my studies and substitute teaching.

My family instilled the travel bug in me at a very young age.  I chose to complete my final semester of University in Vienna, Austria, teaching first grade students.  This experience led me to the reality that I am meant to continue the journey of teaching abroad.  I love learning all I can about the world and its people.

As an educator, I honor all students individual needs and learning styles.  I look forward to building a classroom community that is warm and nurturing.